Lizzo Reminds Us The Root Of Success Lies In Sisterhood & Self-Love
As we enter the back half of 2020 and the pending presidential election, many of us are overwhelmed and stressed. In this 'new normal', where everything is virtual and social distancing is mandatory, the focus on well-being, from the inside out, has become a priority. Every day we're met with new techniques and tips to heal ourselves, cleanse our spirits, or take care of our mental health. One of the biggest proponents of that movement right now is Melissa Viviene Jefferson - more commonly known as Lizzo.
Lizzo sat down with Vogueto discuss sisterhood, being 'body-normative', and being of service to her culture. The interviews were taken over a three-month period that included #BlackoutTuesday and the historic announcement of Kamala Harris. In what seemed to be one of Lizzo's more revealing interviews, sisterhood and self-love are a prominent thread throughout.
Sisterhood is something Lizzo not only sings about but practices heavily IRL. The two most important members of her team, her DJ and her Creative Director, are her best friends. The three of them built this career from their bootstraps and continued to challenge each other to accomplish their individual dreams. And that bond doesn't just stop with her day ones.
"We have gone through so much since meeting each other. And we have always made sure that the relationship is what we prioritize. It's never been money. It's never been the career."
And that bond doesn't just stop with her day ones. In the interview, she remarks on her relationship with rap legend Missy Elliott and how they practice self-care for one another. She also credits manifestation a bit for her relationship with Missy.
"I don't know what happened first. Having the thoughts because it was gonna happen? Or having the thoughts and driving myself to make it happen? But knowing that it did, yeah, is incredible."
That sisterhood helped give her the confidence to take on other pressing issues in our world, like white supremacy, sexism, and fatphobia - to name a few. Like many of us, Lizzo feels constantly disappointed by the state of America and wants to facilitate the uncomfortable changes for the future. One step towards that is the adoption of 'body-normative', veering from the body positivity message she's known for. From doing the work to love herself, she's able to be a vessel of self-love for others.
"Now, you look at the hashtag 'body-positive,' and you see smaller-framed girls, curvier girls. Lotta white girls. And I feel no way about that because inclusivity is what my message is always about. I'm glad that this conversation is being included in the mainstream narrative.
"What I don't like is how the people that this term was created for are not benefiting from it. I would like to be body-normative. I want to normalize my body. And not just be like, 'Ooh, look at this cool movement. Being fat is body positive.' No, being fat is normal. I think now, I owe it to the people who started this to not just stop here."
Lizzo truly wants to be in service of her culture, but she knows that comes with a lot of self-love and care. She touches on the importance of the world's perspective of her because that impacts young women that look like her. And while she's excited for the potential for the first Black woman as a Vice President, she hopes it comes with real change.
"A lot of times I feel like we get distracted by the veneer of things. If things appear to be better, but they're not actually better, we lose our sense of protest."
To read Lizzo's October cover story in full, head over to Vogue.com.
Featured image via Giphy
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Courtney is a contributing writer, based in Puerto Rico by way of Tennessee. Interested in the intersection of fashion and culture, she has an affinity for fashion, empowerment, and really good tacos. Keep up with her on Instagram (@hautecourtxo).
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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Rihanna Talks Shedding Expectations And Finding Balance As A Mother
Since becoming a mother in 2022, Rihanna has defined parenthood by her terms and hopes to pass that sense of autonomy on to her children.
For Vogue China’s April cover story, Rihanna shared her perspective on raising her two sons with A$AP Rocky, and how she hopes to preserve her children’s uniqueness, devoid of societal expectations.
"The most beautiful thing...is that [children] come into the world with their own individuality and sincerity, without any logic or conformity,” she told the publication. “Which usually makes you feel that you must fit into a certain group."
The “Work” artist, known for her trendsetting style and captivating persona, expressed her desire to support children in fully embracing their individuality and encouraging them to be whoever they want to be. "It's really beautiful to see and I want to continue to help them navigate that and make sure that they know they can be whoever they want to be,” she says.
She continues, “They should embrace it completely, because it's beautiful, and it's unique. I love them just that way."
From shattering music charts to shaking up the beauty industry, Rihanna has forged a path that has since created the “dream” life we see today. One that she says has made her parents proud of.
“I’m living my dream,” she continued. “My parents were very proud of that because they just wanted me to be happy and successful. So, I think the key thing is to find some kind of balance. Yes, balance is important. Do this and you get the best of both worlds. You can write your own life the way you want, and it will be beautiful. Sometimes, you just need to let go of everyone’s expectations and start living your own story.”
Rihanna, who shares sons, RZA, 23 months, and Riot, 8 months, with rapper A$AP Rocky, recently shared her vision for expanding her family in the future in Interview Magazine.
When stylist Mel Ottenberg asked about the number of additional children she hoped to have, Rihanna replied, "As many as God wants me to have.”
"I don't know what God wants, but I would go for more than two. I would try for my girl,” she adds. “But of course, if it's another boy, it's another boy."
Featured image by Neil MockfordWireImage